Handheld blowing device and method of therefor

ABSTRACT

A handheld blowing device has a pair of side body members. The pair of side body members forms an interior section when connected together. One end of the pair of side body members is closed and a second end of the pair of side body members form a tapered open end. A blowing fan is positioned in the interior section. A motor is coupled to the blowing fan and positioned in the interior section. A power supply is coupled to the motor and positioned in the interior section.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/389,376 filed on Oct. 4, 2010, inthe name of the same inventor and which application is incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to a air blowing device, and morespecifically, to a handheld blowing device which may be used to send astream of air to clean different surface areas.

Presently, there are many different ways to clean dusty/dirty surfaces.For example, individuals may use feather dusters, dust cloths, vacuumcleaners and the like. Recently, some individuals have been usingmicrofiber cloths as a way to clean dusty/dirty surfaces. The problemwith all of the above devices is that all of the above devices areunable to get into and clean small tight defined areas. For example, theabove devices are unable to clean the area between and under the keys ofa keyboard and the like.

To clean keyboards and other electronic devices, many individuals havebeen using cans of compressed air. The cans generally have a strawnozzle which may allow one to direct the compressed air stored in thecan to clean a dirty surface. Though using compressed air forelectronics cleans the computer and electronics quickly and easily, itdoes have several disadvantages. Using this gas may leave a good amountof moisture inside the computer that may eventually corrode the delicatecomponents. It may also lead to water build up in the circuit boards inthe electronic equipments. Furthermore, using this compressed gas athigh pressure for cleaning can damage the circuits of the electronicdevice.

In addition, using compress air for electronic devices also has someenvironmental concerns. Most of these cans use a GHG, that is greenhousegas, as the propellant, referred to as HFC. They indirectly contributeto the stratospheric ozone layer depletion and are thus becoming a causefor global warming.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a device and method thatovercomes the above problems.

SUMMARY

A handheld blowing device has a pair of side body members. The pair ofside body members forms an interior section when connected together. Oneend of the pair of side body members is closed and a second end of thepair of side body members form a tapered open end. A blowing fan ispositioned in the interior section. A motor is coupled to the blowingfan and positioned in the interior section. A power supply is coupled tothe motor and positioned in the interior section.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently invarious embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet otherembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the handheld blowing device according toone embodiment the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of a fan used in the handheldblowing device;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the fan used in the handheldblowing device;

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a motor used in the handheldblowing device;

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of a motor holding unit used inthe handheld blowing device;

FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a switchused in the handheld blowing device;

FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of a switchused in the handheld blowing device;

FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view of a battery pack used in thehandheld blowing device;

FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of a charging socket used in thehandheld blowing device;

FIG. 10 is an exploded magnified side view of the air chamber unit ofthe handheld blowing device;

FIG. 10 is an exploded magnified side view of the air chamber unit ofthe handheld blowing device;

FIG. 11 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of thehandheld blowing device;

FIG. 12 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of thehandheld blowing device;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the handheld blowing device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the handheld blowing device of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a side view of the handheld blowing device of FIG. 12.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detaileddescription to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figure, a handheld blowing device 10 (hereinafterdevice 10) is shown. The device 10 may be used to clean different typesof surfaces. For example, the device 10 may be used to clean hard toreach areas such as tight confined spaces, as well as delicate itemssuch as electronics. The above is given as an example and should not beseen in a limiting manner.

The device 10 may have a pair of side body members 12. The side bodymembers 12 may be mirror images of one another. In the embodiment shownin the Figures, each side body member 12 has a hollow interior section12A. The side members 12 may fit together to form a hollow body whichmay be used to house components of the device 10 as well be describedbelow.

Each side body member 12 may have a semi-circular tube section 12Blocated on one end. One end of the semi-circular tube section 12B has aclosed end 12C. The other end semi-circular tube section 12B flows intoan oval shaped sphere 12D. A distal end of the oval shaped sphere 12Dmay flow into a tapered funnel 12E. A distal end of the tapered funnel12E remains open.

Located in a central area of the oval shaped sphere 12D may be one ormore vents 13. The vents 13 may be used as an air intake area.

Along an outer perimeter of each of the side body members 12 are tubemembers 14. The tube members 14 on one of the side body members 12 mayhave a rod member 16 inserted therein. The rod member 16 may be insertedinto a corresponding tube member 14 on the other side body members 12when the side members 12 are fitted together.

One or more connectors 18 may be attached to the side members 12. Theconnectors may be used to secure the side members 12 together. Theconnectors 18 may be screws, latches, tabs, or the like. The listing ofthe above is given as an example and should not be seen in a limitingmanner.

Located in the semi-circular tube section 12B may be a power supply 20.The power supply 20 may be used to supply power to different componentsof the device 10. In accordance with one embodiment, the power supply 20may be comprised of one or more batteries 22. The batteries 22 may beheld in a battery holder 24. A charging port 26 may be coupled to thebatteries 22. The charging port 26 may be used to couple a batterycharging adapter 28 to the batteries 22. The battery charging adapter 28may be used to recharge the batteries 22. The charging adapter 28 mayfurther be used to power the device 10 by plugging the charging adapter28 to an outlet and turning on the device 10 if the batteries 22 are notcharged.

Located in the oval shaped sphere 12D is a blowing mechanism 30. Theblowing mechanism 30 may be coupled to the power supply 20 via aswitching device 31. When the switching device 32 is in an “ON”position, energy from the power supply 20 is supplied to power theblowing mechanism 30. When the switching device 32 is in an “OFF”position, no energy from the power supply 20 is supplied to power theblowing mechanism 30.

In accordance with one embodiment, the blowing mechanism 30 may becomprised of a blowing fan 32 and a motor 34. The blowing fan 32 may becomprised of a circular disc member 32A. A plurality of blade members32B runs from an outer perimeter of the circular disc member 32A towardsa central area 32B. The blade members 32B may be curved blade members.In accordance with one embodiment, the blowing fan is a squirrel cagetype fan/blower.

A central area 32C on one side of the circular disc member 32A may havean opening 32D. The opening 32C may be used to expose an axle member 36.The axle member 36 may be used as the rotation point of the circulardisc member 32A.

The motor 34 may be used to rotate the blowing fan 32. The motor 34 maybe positioned such that a portion of the motor 34 is placed in theopening 32D so that the motor 34 engages the axle member 36. This mayallow the motor 34 to rotate the blowing fan 32.

A motor holding unit 38 may be used to secure the motor 34 to theblowing fan 32. In accordance with one embodiment, the motor holdingunit 38 may be comprised of a circular body member 38A having a hollowinterior. The circular body member 38A may be inserted into the opening32C. The circular body member 38A may have a diameter approximately thesame size as a diameter of the opening 32C to ensure a tight fit whenthe circular body member 38A is inserted into the opening 32C. The motor34 may then be inserted into the hollow interior of the circular bodymember 38A such that the motor 34 engages the axle member 36.

One or more attachment devices 40 may be attached to the circular bodymember 38A. The attachment devices 40 may be used to secure the motorholding unit 38 and hence the motor 34 securely in the side body members12. In accordance with one embodiment, the attachment devices are a pairof channels 40A. A screw 40B or other device may be used to secure thesecure the motor holding unit 38 and hence the motor 34 securely in theside body members 12.

In operation, the user may activate the device 10 by using the switchingdevice 32. Once the switching device 32 is placed in the “ON” position,energy from the power supply 20 is supplied to the motor 34. The motor34 may be used to rotate the blowing fan 32 generating a stream of air.The stream of air flows in the oval shaped sphere 12D and out the distalend of the oval shaped sphere 12D. The tapered funnel 12E concentratesand directs the air out of the distal end of the tapered funnel 12E toclean a desired surface.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of the device 10′ is shown.The device 10′ is similar to the device 10. The device 10′ may have ablowing mechanism 30. The blowing mechanism 30 may be coupled to thepower supply 20 via a switching device 31. When the switching device 32is in an “ON” position, energy from the power supply 20 is supplied topower the motor 34 coupled to the blowing mechanism 30. When theswitching device 32 is in an “OFF” position, no energy from the powersupply 20 is supplied to power the blowing mechanism 30.

The device 10′ may have a canister housing 40. The canister housing 40may have air intake vents 42 located on the canister housing 40. In theembodiment the air intake vents 41 are located on a top area of thecanister housing 40.

The device 10′ may have a nozzle section 42. The nozzle section 42 isfor distributing the air generated by the blowing mechanism 30. Thenozzle section 42 may be formed on an upper area of the canister housing40. The nozzle section 42 may be in communication with the blowingmechanism 30 to allow one to divert the air from the blowing mechanism30 out of nozzle section 42.

The nozzle section 42 may be kingly coupled to the canister housing 40.As shown in FIG. 11, a hinge mechanism 44 may be used to couple thenozzle section 42 to the canister housing 40. The hinge mechanism 44 maybe used to move the nozzle section 42 to a desired position.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, another embodiment of the device 10″ isshown. The device 10″ is similar to the device 10′. The internalcomponents of the device 10″ are the same and or similar to those ofdevice 10 and device 10′ and thus will not be discussed.

The device 10″ may also have a canister housing 40. In the presentembodiment, the canister housing may have a body section 40A and a topsection 40B. The canister housing 40 may have air intake vents 42located on the canister housing 40. In the embodiment the air intakevents 41 are located on a top section 40B of the canister housing 40.

The device 10″ may have a nozzle section 42. The nozzle section 42 isfor distributing the air generated by the blowing mechanism. In thepresent embodiment, the nozzle section 42 may be formed on the topsection 40B of the canister housing 40. The nozzle section 42 may be incommunication with the blowing mechanism to allow one to divert the airfrom the blowing mechanism out of nozzle section 42.

The nozzle section 42 may be hingly coupled to the canister housing 40.A hinge mechanism may be used to couple the nozzle section 42 to thecanister housing 40. The hinge mechanism may be used to move the nozzlesection 42 to a desired position.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms ofvarious specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced withmodifications within the spirit and scope of the claims.

1. A handheld blowing device comprising: a pair of side body members,the pair of side body members forming an interior section when connectedtogether, one end of the pair of side body members being closed, and asecond end of the pair of side body members forming a tapered open end;a blowing fan positioned in the interior section; a motor coupled to theblowing fan and positioned in the interior section; and a power supplycoupled to the motor and positioned in the interior section.
 2. Ahandheld blowing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the powersupply is a rechargeable battery.
 3. A handheld blowing device inaccordance with claim 2, further comprising an adapter for charging therechargeable battery.
 4. A handheld blowing device in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the blowing fan is an impeller blowing fan.
 5. Ahandheld blowing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein each sidemember comprises: a semi-circular tube section located on a first end,wherein one end of the semi-circular tube section is a closed end; anoval shaped sphere section attached to a second end of the semi-circulartube section; and a tapered funnel attached to a distal end of the ovalshaped sphere, a distal end of the tapered funnel remains open.
 6. Ahandheld blowing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising amotor holding unit attached to the blowing fan to secure the motor andthe blowing fan together.
 7. A handheld blowing device in accordancewith claim 6, wherein the motor holding unit comprises: a circular tubebody member; and attachment devices attached to the circular tube bodymember.
 8. A handheld blowing device comprising: a pair of side bodymembers, the pair of side body members forming an interior section whenconnected together, one end of the pair of side body members beingclosed, and a second end of the pair of side body members forming atapered open end; a blowing fan positioned in the interior section; amotor coupled to the blowing fan and positioned in the interior section;a power supply coupled to the motor and positioned in the interiorsection, wherein the power supply is a rechargeable power supply; and anadapter coupled to the power supply for changing the power supply andfor powering the handheld blowing device when the power supply isdischarged.
 9. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 8,wherein the power supply is a rechargeable battery.
 10. A handheldblowing device in accordance with claim 8, wherein the blowing fan is animpeller blowing fan.
 11. A handheld blowing device in accordance withclaim 8, wherein each side member comprises: a semi-circular tubesection located on a first end, wherein one end of the semi-circulartube section is a closed end; an oval shaped sphere section attached toa second end of the semi-circular tube section; and a tapered funnelattached to a distal end of the oval shaped sphere, a distal end of thetapered funnel remains open.
 12. A handheld blowing device in accordancewith claim 8, further comprising a motor holding unit attached to theblowing fan to secure the motor and the blowing frame together.
 13. Ahandheld blowing device in accordance with claim 12, wherein the motorholding unit comprises: a circular tube body member; and attachmentdevices attached to the circular tube body member.
 14. A handheldblowing device comprising: a container; a nozzle member coupled to thecontainer; a blowing fan positioned in an interior section of thecontainer; a motor coupled to the blowing fan and positioned in theinterior section; and a power supply coupled to the motor and positionedin the interior section.
 15. A handheld blowing device in accordancewith claim 14 comprising wherein the container is a canister.
 16. Ahandheld blowing device in accordance with claim 14 comprising whereinthe container comprises: a canister; and a lid member coupled to thecanister, the nozzle member coupled to the lid member.
 17. A handheldblowing device in accordance with claim 14 comprising wherein thecontainer comprises: a pair of side body members, the pair of side bodymembers forming an interior section when connected together, whereineach side member comprises: a semi-circular tube section located on afirst end, wherein one end of the semi-circular tube section is a closedend; an oval shaped sphere section attached to a second end of thesemi-circular tube section; and a tapered funnel attached to a distalend of the oval shaped sphere, a distal end of the tapered funnelremains open;
 18. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 14,wherein the power supply is a rechargeable battery.
 19. A handheldblowing device in accordance with claim 18, further comprising anadapter for charging the rechargeable battery.
 20. A handheld blowingdevice in accordance with claim 14, further comprising: a circular tubebody member for securing the motor within the container; and attachmentdevices attached to the circular tube body member.